onsemi PN100A_D27Z

Overview

PN100A_D27Z from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose amplifier transistor rated for continuous collector current up to 500 mA, with V_CEO = 45 V, V_CBO = 75 V, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 100–300 at I_C = 100 mA. It operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature and is commonly used in low-to-moderate power linear amplification and switching circuits in industrial control interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the PN100A_D27Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its TO-92 package compatibility, verified h_FE range at 100 mA, V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.4 V at high drive, thermal resistance (R_θJA = 200°C/W on FR-4), and noise figure of 4.0 dB at 1 kHz - all critical for analog signal conditioning and discrete gain stage design.

Technical Context

This device implements a silicon planar epitaxial NPN structure optimized for general-purpose linear amplification and switching, with validated performance at collector currents up to 300 mA under pulsed conditions (≤300 μs, ≤2% duty cycle). Its h_FE is specified across three bias points - 100 μA, 10 mA, and 100 mA - confirming stable gain behavior over wide operating ranges.

Thermal design is constrained by R_θJA = 200°C/W (TO-92, FR-4 PCB 1.6" × 1.6" × 0.06") and maximum junction temperature of 150°C. The device exhibits f_T = 250 MHz at V_CE = 20 V, I_C = 20 mA, supporting RF-capable small-signal amplification up to mid-VHF band.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PN100A_D27Z is supplied in the TO-92 plastic package (JEDEC TO-92 variant), with standardized lead configuration: Emitter (Pin 1), Base (Pin 2), Collector (Pin 3). Marking "PN100A" appears on the device body.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN amplifier applications.

Compared with PN100A_D27Z, MMBT100A offers SMT compatibility at the expense of thermal performance, while PN2222A trades 5 V V_CEO margin and unverified high-current h_FE for broader distributor availability - making PN100A_D27Z optimal for TO-92-based designs requiring guaranteed 45 V and 100 mA gain specs.

Availability

PN100A_D27Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, relay driver circuits, and audio pre-amplifier stages requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for PN100A_D27Z includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The PN100A_D27Z belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor family, designed specifically for cost-effective, thermally robust linear amplification and switching in industrial and consumer equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for PN100A_D27Z?

The PN100A_D27Z is rated for a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) of 500 mA at T_A = 25°C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. However, practical operation at this level requires strict thermal management due to its 200°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on FR-4 PCB. Derating to 300 mA is typical for sustained operation above 50°C ambient.

Does PN100A_D27Z have a guaranteed h_FE specification at 100 mA collector current?

Yes, the PN100A_D27Z datasheet specifies h_FE = 100–300 at I_C = 100 mA, V_CE = 1.0 V, and T_C = 25°C. This range is explicitly guaranteed for the PN100A variant and distinguishes it from the base PN100, which lacks this high-current gain guarantee - making PN100A_D27Z suitable for designs relying on predictable gain at medium current levels.

What is the noise figure of PN100A_D27Z and under what conditions is it measured?

The PN100A_D27Z has a noise figure of 4.0 dB, measured at I_C = 100 μA, V_CE = 5.0 V, R_G = 2.0 kΩ, and f = 1.0 kHz. This value is documented for the PN100A variant in the Electrical Characteristics table and confirms its suitability for low-noise pre-amplifier applications where signal integrity at audio frequencies is critical.

Can PN100A_D27Z be used in switching applications, and what is its typical V_CE(sat)?

Yes, PN100A_D27Z is qualified for switching use with V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.4 V at I_C = 200 mA and I_B = 20 mA. This low saturation voltage minimizes power loss in relay drivers and LED switches. Its switching times (t_r, t_f) are characterized up to 300 mA in the Typical Characteristics section, supporting reliable operation at frequencies below 1 MHz.

What package type is PN100A_D27Z supplied in, and how are its leads arranged?

PN100A_D27Z is supplied in the TO-92 plastic package with leads arranged as Emitter (Pin 1), Base (Pin 2), Collector (Pin 3) when viewed with flat side facing outward and leads pointing downward. This configuration matches JEDEC TO-92 standard orientation and is confirmed in the Package Dimension drawing on page 5 of the Fairchild datasheet Rev. C1.